Solar eclipses, which occur two to five times a year, tend to intensify the energy of the new moon they accompany. It's worth giving this one some thought so you enter with clear intentions, ready to make the most of this auspicious astral opportunity. Think of it as preproduction: the planning, preparation and vision that set the stage for everything that follows.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). New Moon Focus: Small steps create big success. Choose just one focus to apply the principle — a project, an area that needs improvement, a habit or a relationship. Brainstorm what those steps would be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). New Moon Focus: Being comfortable in your skin. Your authenticity is what earns respect, but since you contain multitudes, you sometimes wonder which ones you should bring to task. Reflect on how you'd like to move through the world.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). New Moon Focus: Hope. Hope fuels perseverance. Hope overturns seemingly impossible circumstances. Indeed, hope has altered the course of nations. Hope starts small. Articulate your hopes and the small actions you can take to nurture them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). New Moon Focus: Read people before you lead people. The more you pick up on, the more influential you become. What keeps you from observing better? Having too much to do in the moment? Being in a rush? How can you make it easier to be a better listener?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). New Moon Focus: Adapt and thrive anywhere. Confidence isn't knowing exactly what will happen. It's trusting yourself to respond well to whatever does. Think of a place, role or challenge where greater flexibility would serve you. What helps you land on your feet?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). New Moon Focus: Trusting your own impeccable timing. Good timing comes from paying attention. Consider the opportunities you've hesitated over and the ones you've rushed. How can you create more moments to notice when it's truly time to act?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). New Moon Focus: Loving complexity. It's so much easier to categorize things with black-and-white thinking, but your artistry and maturity won't have it. What complexity can you embrace? Which contrasting ideas can you hold at once?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). New Moon Focus: The right question. Some questions end conversations. Others begin them. Some are asked for information; others reveal character. Think of an issue you've been circling. What question would change the entire discussion?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). New Moon Focus: The ethical shortcut. You have a gift for spotting unnecessary steps. Efficiency isn't about rushing. It's about removing the parts that aren't pulling their weight. Consider trimming elements that may have outlived their usefulness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). New Moon Focus: Becoming unforgettable. People remember how you made them see themselves. They remember surprises, inside jokes and stories they'll repeat later. Which of your gifts do you want to linger in someone's mind long after you've left?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). New Moon Focus: Discernment. Every project has one change that transforms it and 50 that don't matter. Every argument has one point worth addressing and several worth ignoring. Where could a sharper filter save time and energy?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). New Moon Focus: Inventing tomorrow. Every invention sounded strange before it became ordinary. Every movement began with one brave person imagining a different future. What are your dreams of tomorrow that feel too early, too ambitious or too unusual?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 11). It's your Year of the Masterpiece. Your long hours, multitudes of drafts and specific choices add up to results that are as unique as they are stunning. It's not just about physical works. Relationships, your style and physique — it's all an art. More highlights: You'll visit favorite destinations. A partnership doubles your reach and augments your income. Family news, celebrations and harmony. Libra and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 19, 4, 11 and 28.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: From fairy tales to galaxies far away, Chris Hemsworth has ruled many realms while also juggling brand deals and a demanding film schedule. Even so, this Leo movie star is well known for prioritizing a quiet, private family life. With his sun, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune all in fire signs, Hemsworth's on-screen magnetism is natural, while his Libra moon brings grace and balance to his big picture.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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